what does "perfect use" mean?

[atalanta0jess.livejournal.com]

Hey Everyone,

Here's something I've been wondering about for awhile, that has been brought up in my mind again by a recent comment that I read.

What does perfect use mean? For example, with condoms, I was under the impression that the perfect use failure statistic would include those times when you used the condom properly, but it broke. However, someone recently indicated that they don't believe that those breakages are included in the perfect use statistic.

Also, I think that typical use includes times when couples decide not to use a method - for example with withdrawal, typical use would include those times when you just don't want him to withdraw quite yet, and so he comes in you. But I'm not sure.

Can anyone offer some concrete definitions? I just read that perfect use refers to the method failure, where as typical use refers to user failure...but I'm just wondering how inclusive that is I suppose.

EDIT!! Here's another question: How do they determine perfect use??

Comments

[laurensellscorn.livejournal.com]

Non-compliance, inconsistent use, or failure to follow the directions in some way (like not using a backup method during antibiotic use or gastrointestinal illness) is typical use.

Any failure due solely to the method, while following the instructions exactly with no interfering circumstances is perfect use. :)

[atalanta0jess.livejournal.com]

Ok, that's what I thought. Thanks for clarifying. :)